Google Alert – Bangladesh Army
Mahfuj Alam, Information and Broadcasting Adviser to Bangladesh’s Interim Government, has sparked debate by reportedly expressing concerns about a potential repeat of the political turmoil associated with the January 11 crisis of 2007, when an army-backed caretaker government took control.
In a Facebook post on Monday evening, Mafuj wrote: ”Footsteps of 1/11 being heard.”
The statement triggered widespread speculation among the political arena. Later, Mahfuj also added another sentence in the statement, “However, July will prevail. The people’s struggle cannot be defeated.”
Mahfuj, a key figure in the student-led July Mass Uprising that toppled the Awami League government, has been vocal about the need for unity among the forces behind the uprising.
In a recent Facebook post, he urged reconciliation and warned against internal divisions, stating, “Unity among patriotic forces is essential. The country is greater than individual ideals, honour, or emotions.” His remarks come amid reported tensions within the interim government and pressure from political groups, including calls for his resignation by some factions.
The reference to “1/11” evokes memories of 11 January 2007, when a state of emergency was declared in Bangladesh, leading to a two-year caretaker government.
Mahfuj’s reported concerns suggest apprehension about external or internal actors exploiting current divisions to destabilise the interim government’s push for democratic reforms.
On 5 August, Professor Yunus is set to deliver the historic July Declaration at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, an event expected to outline the interim government’s vision for a democratic transition.
Mahfuj, who has been described by Yunus as “the brain” of the uprising, is likely to play a significant role in shaping its narrative.
The declaration will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television, with representatives from political parties and families of July martyrs in attendance.